TXU Energy and City of McKinney Launch Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network

MCKINNEY, TX--May 16, 2011: AeroVironment, Inc. announced today that it has been selected by TXU Energy to deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to support a public charging network in the Dallas Metro-plex area beginning with a historic installation in the City of McKinney. TXU Energy CEO Jim Burke and the mayor of McKinney, Brian Loughmiller announced the new charging network at an event in front of the McKinney Public Library where the first of four charging stations was installed.

“Practical EVs are here today and it’s important for us to offer clean refueling options to EV drivers who are embracing this new and exciting technology”

The installation of AeroVironment’s UL Listed charging stations throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area is a demonstration of the commitment by the electric retailers and municipalities to meet customer needs and actively promote sustainability.

“Practical EVs are here today and it’s important for us to offer clean refueling options to EV drivers who are embracing this new and exciting technology,” said Jim Burke, chief executive officer of TXU Energy. “We are very impressed with the AeroVironment equipment and they were helpful and very knowledgeable in all aspects of the installation and operation.”

AeroVironment’s EVSE-CS system is listed by the Underwriter’s Laboratory and has met its rigorous requirements for safety, construction and performance measures. AV’s supporting network data systems are designed with an open architecture to ensure interoperability with the TXU Energy network, allowing the utility and its customers to track charge data and provide critical information and recommendations to utilities and users such as energy usage, efficiency and cost optimization.

“AeroVironment is committed to providing the most convenient and reliable charging solutions with the electric car owner in mind,” said Mike Bissonette, senior vice president and general manager of AeroVironemnt’s Efficient Energy Solutions business segment. “We look forward to working with TXU Energy to electrify McKinney, TX, one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.”

AeroVironment provides electric vehicle charging stations and installation services for Nissan® North America’s Nissan LEAF, NRG Energy’s eVgo network and the state of Hawaii’s EV Ready program.

About TXU Energy

TXU Energy is a market-leading competitive retailer that provides electricity and related services to approximately 2 million electricity customers in Texas. TXU Energy offers a variety of innovative products and solutions, allowing both its residential and business customers to choose options that best meet their needs, including exceptional customer service, competitively priced electricity service plans, innovative energy efficiency options, renewable energy programs and other electricity-related products and services. Visit txu.com for more information about TXU Energy.

About AeroVironment, Inc.

AeroVironment is a technology solutions provider that designs, develops, produces and supports an advanced portfolio of electric transportation solutions and electric-powered Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). AeroVironment’s comprehensive EV charging solutions include EV home charging, public charging, fast charging, data collection, grid-integrated communications and complete installation, training and support services for consumers, automakers, utilities, government agencies and businesses. AeroVironment’s industrial fast charging systems support thousands of electric materials handling vehicles in mission-critical supply chains for Fortune 500 enterprises. AeroVironment’s power cycling and test systems provide EV developers and EV battery manufacturers with market-leading simulation and cycling capabilities. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s battery-powered, hand-launched unmanned aircraft systems to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance and communication. More information is available at AV Inc and EV Solutions.